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I am assuming you are referring to the London Walks tour to Oxford that includes the Cotswolds. It's been years since I've done that particular one but, in general, the London Walks are excellent. If this is your first trip to Oxford, I would definitely do it with London Walks. Of course, you can do it on your own taking either the train or bus to Oxford ( bus is a better option ) and hooking up with a guided tour once in Oxford. The London Walks is just more convenient and you'll be assured of getting a knowledgeable guide not only for Oxford but one who can comment on the various sites if driving through the Cotswolds.

So London Walks drives thru the Cotswolds, famous for its sweet rambling and foot paths?

And you do not IME need a guide in Oxford - take the train - the fastest way if you are near Paddington Station at least and once in Oxford check out the Tourist Information Centre branch in the train station - they also offer walks and self-guided walking tours - probably that are free - and the hop on hop off buses serve the station as well.

Oxford is one place I would not want to be on a schedule at - like if you want to linger somewhere... Oxford's historic centre of colleges is rather compact - a day here can leisurely let you see it all.

Yes, I have done that, and enjoyed it. The Cotswolds portion of the trip was brief, but we saw some lovely countryside, a walk in the countryside in Minster Lovell, we had a charming pub lunch. Oxford also very interesting. Lovely tourgide with lots of information, saw the inside of a dining hall that looked just like Harry Potter. Visited a charming bookstore. Wish we had more time in both places, but for an overview, could not recommend it more.

Hey Pal, more that just drive thru. We did quite a bit of walking, some it thru pastures with the cows and horses, a visit to an historical church/cemetery, and some lovely gardens and thatched roof houses.

Over the years probably 20+ fodorites have reported on the LW day trips to the Cotswolds or Oxford & the Cotswolds (two different tours) and I don't recall a single one have any complaints at all.>

I did not criticize the tour itself (unless there was just a bus ride) so I don't know where you're coming from. I never said it was a bad tour - just that IF - read IF - it was just a bus passing thru it is not the Cotswoldian experience many hope for - now I know it it more.

I still can't see doing both Oxford and Cotswolds in one day and coming from you this endorsement is perplexing because you always tell folks how rushed their itineraries are - how they should slow down yet you endorse seing Oxford and the Cotswolds in the same day.

It may be a great tour but the idea of doing both you have to admit is a bit rushed - or have you changed your tune about that?

I just checked London Walks and their information on the Oxford/Cotswolds tour. Apparently this is new and they plan to go by train from Paddington ( Pal will be so pleased, but sorry it's often better by bus ) to Oxford, and then small coach through the Cotswolds. Of course you'll just get a taste of the Cotswolds but that's fine. Better than nothing and most travelers have a limited amount of time anyway.

Unless you are willing to do some research before you get to Oxford, a guide is your best choice for your first trip. Self guided tours will not provide any information as to what your seeing. You won't get the history or the stories that make Oxford so interesting. I doubt if one will know the difference between Christ Church College and Magdalen College. Which colleges are the oldest? How many are there? How many books in the Bodleian ? Where's the Ashmolean and what treasures can you find there ? Who met their death by fire in Broad St and why? What is Oxford's literary history? And, the more mundane, where are the best pubs? The best bookstores? If you can answer these questions, you don't need a guide but, if you can't , then, a guided tour is essential. With a limited amount of time, Oxford is not a place to linger.

The centre of Oxford is fairly compact, but it's history is rich. Go with a guide, someone who can answer your questions and provide the information that will make your trip much more enjoyable and rewarding.

Hi, I've done the LW day trip to the Cotswolds (a few years ago) - not the trip combined with Oxford. Thought their Cotswolds trip was great, got around a lot and was a terrific introduction to the area.
I wouldn't want to do the Cotswolds combined with Oxford in a day, just would be way too rushed for me. (But I don't know your circumstances, if you're in the UK for only a very short period and really really want to do both then I guess its a good way to see a little of each.)

Meant to add that I'd do the London Walks Oxford/Cotswolds tour in a heartbeat, but I've already done numerous trips to Oxford and lived there for 9 months. I almost always take the bus to Oxford for a night or two before returning to LHR and my flight home. Have also spent considerable time in the Cotswolds, so it won't be on my schedule. Still, without a doubt, I think it would be your best option for seeing a bit of the Cotswolds and visiting Oxford

Thanks everyone. GLad the people who went enjoyed it. I just would like an overview, some walking and some history in Oxford. I really don't have the time to spend the whole day in just Oxford. Time is limited in London. Can't wait to go!